The fight on Capitol Hill over whether to send more aid to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia has been ongoing since fall of 2023. House Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled a $60.8 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with a House vote scheduled for Saturday. Although Johnson faces potential removal as speaker, he stands by the aid package, emphasizing the importance of supporting allies and avoiding sending American troops. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who filed a motion to oust Johnson, is hesitant to proceed with a vote due to concerns about creating chaos. The aid bills enjoy bipartisan support, with Republicans expected to back the Israel measure and Democrats supporting Ukraine.
The White House has backed the aid packages, urging swift passage by the House and Senate. President Biden emphasized the importance of standing with allies against common foes like Russia and Iran. The House GOP proposal separates the components of the Senate bill to allow for separate votes while adding a fourth element related to national security. The bills include requirements for non-military aid to be structured as a loan and for a strategy document outlining Ukraine’s projected costs and timeline for success. There is uncertainty on whether the bills will be bundled together before heading to the Senate, potentially complicating the process.
Opponents of the aid packages, such as Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Bob Good, expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the debate. Roy criticized a perceived capitulation on border security issues and concerns about relinquishing the responsibility to hold the president accountable. Good lamented the extra session days dedicated to voting on foreign aid while domestic border security concerns persist. Despite some opposition within the Republican Party, the aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan is expected to pass with support from both parties. The House is cautiously moving forward with the aid bills, aiming to demonstrate solidarity with allies and deter common adversaries.
The debate over aid for Ukraine intensified after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, with the White House initially proposing smaller aid packages. As the conflict became less popular among Republican voters, congressional Republicans grew hesitant to support additional aid. This hesitancy was demonstrated when former Speaker McCarthy cut $6 billion in war funding at a crucial moment, forcing Democrats into a difficult decision. The Senate eventually passed a $95 billion bipartisan aid package encompassing military aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as relief for Gaza.
While advocates for Ukraine like Razom for Ukraine urged swift passage of the aid bill, opponents within the Republican Party expressed concerns about prioritizing foreign aid over domestic issues. Rep. Johnson’s proposed aid package aims to provide tangible support for Ukraine while also addressing concerns about accountability and strategy. The aid bills reflect bipartisan cooperation on key foreign policy issues and emphasize the importance of standing with allies in the face of common threats. As the House prepares for a critical vote on the aid packages, the outcome will signal the United States’ commitment to supporting partners in the international community.
